Many of you will already know that there were many trees brought down in the recent storm. The cemetery didn’t escape unscathed and we think this is the worst time the trees have had- at least in the last 20 years.
We fear we have lost at least 10 very large trees, several large bows and many more smaller trees and shrubs. Some of the trees were deciduous and without leaves so it was fairly easy to see if there was any headstone damage. We are pleased to say that miraculously very few graves have been seriously affected but it is less easy to say what has happened under the large Conifers.
Until the trees have been removed, and that will take some time, you will not be able to get any reassurance as to the condition of memorial beneath them. As you can appreciate there are many trees down in many locations and the cemetery was shut on Sunday and early this morning to allow the inspection of the damage. We believe opening hours are now as normal but this may change as and when Tree Surgeons are operating in various areas.
It is noticeable that the main cause of the felled trees seems to be very turbulent wind in confined areas of the cemetery during the storm and the waterlogged soil after a huge amount of rain. The trees themselves generally appeared healthy. So sad as most of them were mature and part of the Grade 2 avenue plan.
Sadly, The Council had also chosen previously to lop all the branches off two magnificent beeches in one of the avenues parallel to the main pathway. I was only admiring these (copper beeches if I recall rightly) in full and golden leaf a very short while ago. The strong and perfect trunks are still standing. Such destruction and loss is deeply upsetting.
Pretty sure these branches were cut back as the tree canopy was becoming too large and stressing the tree. The reaction then is that the tree may shed limbs and to prevent this Health and Safety issue they take the length off. There was an issue with these trees and this will only have been done if electronic testing showed an issue with the heartwood etc. I agree it was very sad but I fear we will see more of this because the alternative is what happened in the recent storms when 17 huge healthy trees toppled.